SHELLY BOSTON has been unveiled as the Rhondda Rebels' latest signing.
The Rebels have secured the services of the Australian-born England international to strengthen their squad ahead of their European Cup challenge next week.
Boston spent two successful seasons in the Rhondda winning the National Cup, league title and play-off championships in 2001 and finishing a runner-up in all three competitions last season. But after completing the domestic season in Australia with Rockingham Flames, Boston opted not to return to South Wales for a third season at the start of this term and signed for Barcelona in the Spanish league.
Rebels manager Andrew Tynan said: ``It took quite some time for Shelly to decide not to sign for us this season and to go to Barcelona instead.
``She decided to go there but didn't have the best experience at the club.
``We were aware of this a couple of weeks ago.''
Boston arrived in Wales from Spain last week and spent the weekend at a training camp, with the rest of the team, at the Welsh Institute of Sport in Cardiff.
Tynan added: ``Shelly took part in training at the weekend and after that we discussed the possibility of her re-signing for the Rebels.''
Boston's decision to rejoin the Valleys team could not have come at a better time with point guard Tammy Goyne struggling with a shoulder injury and American Chelsea Mackey carrying an Achilles problem, although they hope to be fit to play in Reims in the European Cup opener.
But the club still face hurdles before the 6ft 2in Boston can step out on court for them.
Tynan added: ``It's a tremendous boost for the club to have Shelly back. She forms such a potent partnership with Missy Lender, Chelsea Mackey and Olga Smirneou.
``We have now asked Barcelona for a letter of clearance to release her to play for us and we have registered her with Fiba, the world governing body of the sport, to play in Europe for us.
``We are still waiting for the letter of clearance from Spain and everything really needs to be tied up before the end of the week.
``We are cautious but hopeful this will be resolved in time.''
